Basketball Player Named 'Woman of the Year'

February 19, 2010

Atlantic Cape Community College basketball and softball player Justina Mishkovsky, an Egg Harbor City native and graduate of Oakcrest High School, was named a Woman of the Year by the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. Women of the Year recipients were honored at the 18th annual New Jersey National Girls and Women in Sports Day luncheon at Seton Hall University Feb. 7.

"I'm thankful for being rewarded for being nice," said Mishkovsky, who was unable to attend the event due to inclement weather. "I'm really blessed to get such an awesome award for just being who I am."

As co-captain and guard for the Buccaneers women's basketball team, Mishkovsky, who also plays short-stop for the Bucs softball team, is known to "lead by example," Rennick said.

"When we're running, I try to get the girls pumped up by clapping or reminding them that they're getting good exercise," Mishkovsky, 19, said.

An aspiring physical education teacher, Mishkovsky is majoring in Education and maintains a 3.7 grade point average. She has been on the Dean's List for three consecutive semesters, and is part of the New Jersey STARS program.

In addition to her academic and athletic success, Mishkovsky devotes her free time as a coach, umpire and referee for the Mullica Township Recreation Association. She also volunteers at her church's shelter and food pantry, where she helps with fundraising efforts for the homeless and distributes food to needy families in the community.

Each year, the NJAIAW presents the Woman of the Year award to one exceptional athlete from each college and university in the state for their achievements in athletics, academics and community service.

Mishkovsky says she hopes to continue inspiring other female athletes to take a positive approach to athletics.

"Some people get so down about losing," she said. "I think whether you win or lose, as long as you're having fun, that's really all that matters."